University Students Develop Innovative Fintech Solutions

Exploring the future of financial technology through student projects

Students at the University of Bradford are contributing to the evolving field of financial technology (fintech) through a range of innovative projects developed as part of their MSc Financial Technology programme. These initiatives reflect the growing importance of fintech in the global economy and its potential to address practical financial challenges.

What is Fintech?

Fintech refers to the use of software, mobile applications, and other technologies to enhance traditional financial services. This includes digital banking, payment platforms like PayPal, lending, investment services, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications aimed at providing faster and more accessible financial solutions for individuals and businesses.

The global fintech market was valued at approximately £343 billion ($394.88 billion US) in 2025 and is expected to grow to around £400 billion ($460.76 billion US) in 2026. The UK ranked as the second-largest fintech market worldwide in 2025, attracting investments between £2.7 billion and £2.8 billion and employing over 360,000 people.

Student-Led Fintech Projects

As part of their coursework, students have developed several fintech concepts addressing real-world issues:

• Bradcoin: A digital token reward system designed to increase student engagement in campus activities and societies. Students would earn tokens through participation, redeemable with campus vendors via a mobile app currently in the concept stage.
• TrueRate: A foreign exchange comparison calculator aimed at helping international students reduce financial losses from bank transfer rates by analysing rates across major banks.
• FairCredit Bradford: A system to help students build credit scores during university, offering faster access to hardship loans, budgeting support, and scam prevention coaching.
• SmurfGuard: An AI-based process intended to assist banks in detecting small-scale money laundering or unusual banking activities.

Student Perspectives

Nathaniel Diamond, 27, from Nigeria and part of the Bradcoin project, previously worked in software engineering in the US and aims to establish a wealth management firm. He highlighted the fast-paced nature of technology and the importance of continuous learning in fintech.

Dhruviben Valand, 23, from India and involved with the TrueRate project, emphasised the opportunities fintech offers for career development and noted the supportive learning environment at the University of Bradford, particularly for international students.

Academic Insights

Dr Sherena Huang, Assistant Professor in Finance and Financial Technology at the University of Bradford, explained that students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical financial activities such as deposits, savings, investment, fraud detection, and personal reward management.

She also noted that fintech has the potential to improve processes related to university student loans and highlighted the programme’s focus on combining theory, programming, and real-world application.